Dunbar Writers’ are preparing a dramatic presentation to celebrate John Muir as an ecologist and also an inspiring writer. Readings concerning John Muir, as he relates to Dunbar but also covering wider issues will be connected by a narrator. The first reading will take place at John Muir’s Birthplace, then open air readings and, finally, a reading at the West Barns Inn.

Thousands are expected to attend the key John Muir Festival events at Falkirk, Dunbar and Loch Lomond but there are smaller programmed events scheduled daily for ten hotspots along the John Muir Way.

With more than 70 other events taking place in association with the Festival there is something for everyone. Full details are available on the John Muir Festival website[1]. Some of the events taking place in and around Dunbar will be highlighted here too.

The new John Muir Way links Dunbar and Helensburgh on the Firth of Clyde “sparking awareness of the local landscapes and wild places along the route”. The route has been developed by Scottish Natural Heritage[1] with support from a range of partners in the Central Scotland Green Network, including East Lothian Council.

On the day of the opening of the John Muir Way there will be celebrations in Dunbar High Street 10.30am-2.30pm. First minister Alex Salmond officially opens the John Muir Way at Muir’s birthplace in Dunbar at 12 noon. All are welcome to come along and enjoy the Festival atmosphere, celebratory art, music, performance and food stalls. A stylised tree will be raised in tribute to Muir’s enduring love of giant sequoias and there will be a variety of other artworks.

Following on from similar very successful events in the past, we plan to do the same again! Members are encouraged to show and talk about three of their favourite images. 5 minutes per person! Refreshments will also be served! If you wish to be involved, please e-mail your images to duncan.smeed (at) gmail.com and these will put into a presentation for ease of showing. Meet at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start at JMB.

Following the AGM there will be an illustrated talk by
John Thomas, trustee of the John Muir Trust and Chairman of the John Muir Birthplace Trust about his

Trip to Alaska

* Please note that nominations for Council accompanied with the nominee’s agreement in writing and items for consideration under other competent business should be lodged with the Secretary, c/o John Muir’s Birthplace Museum, 126 High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1JJ by Monday 21st October 2013. The existing members of Council would be very grateful if other Friends would consider serving on Council as 2014 is shaping up to be a very exciting year and the more of us there are the more we can do. Plans are also afoot for celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Friends in 2014.